Giuseppe Fioranti, nicknamed Pino, was born in Dignano d’Istria (modern day Vodnjan in Croatia) on December 26, 1888.
He played for Lazio from 1909 to 1922 with 103 appearances and 45 goals in all competitions (the real numbers are probably higher because little is known of many of the early games). At that time Lazio played both the Rome group of the National Championship as well as numerous other tournaments. With the Biancocelesti he reached the finals of the Championship three times and won many other trophies such as the Tosti Cup and the Bacelli Cup. He could not play too regularly because he worked in Genoa and it was difficult at the time to go back and forth. He also participated in World War I. His brother Primo played for Lazio too, in 1913-14.
Fioranti was also famous for his bet with Sante Ancherani. Giuseppe claimed that Sante did not have the speed he used to and challenged him to a race. Ancherani agreed but on condition that he would run on the parapet of the Tiber and with a five-metre handicap whereas Fioranti would run on the pavement. Ancherani won and Fioranti was forced to offer cakes to everybody.
Fioranti died in Turin on May 23, 1969.
He was probably one of the players with the greatest talent in those years. He could play anywhere, usually as a forward or midfielder, but it is known that he was also a ruthless defender.
Lazio Career
Season | Total games (goals) | Lazio Third Category Champ. | Roman Third Category Champ. | National Champ. | Other Tournaments |
1910 | 6 | 4 | - | 2 | |
1911 | 4 | 2 | - | 2 | |
1912 | 12 (5) | - | 10 (4) | 2 (1) | |
1912-13 | 19 (8) | - | - | 13 (5) | 6 (3) |
1913-14 | 17 (12) | - | - | 15 (12) | 2 |
1914-15 | 5 (1) | - | - | 5 (1) | - |
1918 | 2 | - | - | - | 2 |
1919-20 | 15 (4) | - | - | 12 | 3 (4) |
1920-21 | 15 (12) | - | - | 15 (12) | - |
1921-22 | 10 (3) | - | - | 8 (3) | 2 |
Total | 103 (45) | 6 | 10 (4) | 68 (33) | 21 (8) |
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